Melissa L. Owens

Melissa L. Owens, 50, of Herzog Lane, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at her home. Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Sunday, January 8, 2017 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2017, 9:00 AM, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Terry McKean officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Melissa L. Owens was born May 25, 1966 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Roger Gilbert and Judith Lee (Smith) Groves and moved to Carlsbad as a young girl with her parents. She graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1984. Melissa's priority in the early days was taking care of her son, Gilbert. She later returned to school and received an associates degree from NMSU-Carlsbad. Melissa married Rick Owens October 14, 2005. She was employed at both Mosaic and Intrepid where she worked in HR and as safety administrator. She loved animals, especially her many cats and three goats. Melissa's hobbies included fishing, camping, motor cycling, cooking but most of all giving of herself to others. Survivors are her husband, Rick Owens of Carlsbad, NM; son, Gilbert Lara and wife, Victoria of Carlsbad, NM; granddaughter, Kiana Rangel; sisters: Debbie Smith and husband, Danny of Cedar City, Utah, Tammy Berry of Las Vegas, NV, Terrie Bowers of Las Vegas, NV; brother, Roger Groves of Carlsbad, NM; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Lorie Owens of Carlsbad, NM and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Gilbert Lara, Chance Groves, Jason Jones, Mike Owens, Cassie Groves and Catherine Groves. Memorial contributions may be made to Noah's Ark Animal Shelter, 5217 Buena Vista Drive, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com